Container for gas generant

ABSTRACT

A gas generant container assembly includes a porous container defining a chamber therein, and a porous separator positionable and securable within the chamber so as to divide the chamber into at least a pair of sub-chambers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/328,740, filed on Apr. 28, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gas generating systems and, more particularly, to a container for holding and positioning a gas generant material incorporated into a hybrid gas generating system.

In the field of gas generating systems, there is an ongoing need to reduce the number of system components, the cost of each component, the weight of each component, and the complexity of the system from a manufacturing perspective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, a gas generant container assembly comprises a porous container defining a chamber therein, and a porous separator positionable and securable within the chamber so as to divide the chamber into at least a pair of sub-chambers.

In another aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, a porous gas generant container comprises a closed base portion, and at least one wall formed integrally with the base portion and extending from the base portion to define a chamber and an opening providing access to the chamber.

In another aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, a sub-assembly for use in a gas generating system includes a porous gas generant container having a closed base portion and a wall extending from the base portion to define a chamber, and a porous separator positioned within the chamber so as to divide the chamber into at least a pair of sub-chambers. A gas generant material is positioned within a sub-chamber of the pair of sub-chambers. The separator is adjustably securable within the chamber to abut the gas generant material to urge the gas generant material against the base portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings illustrating embodiments of the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a gas generating system incorporating a gas generant container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end view of a gas generant container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the gas generant container shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an exemplary vehicle occupant protection system incorporating a gas generating system including a gas generant container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a gas generating system 10 includes a substantially cylindrical housing 12 having a first end 12 a, a second end 12 b opposite the first end, and a wall 12 c extending between the ends to define a housing interior cavity 100. Housing 12 is made from a metal, metal alloy, or other suitable material and may be a cast, stamped, deep-drawn, extruded, or otherwise formed.

Wall 12 c may have a fill hole 12 d formed therein to enable filling of housing cavity 100 with a compressed gas, in a manner known in the art. Fill hole 12 d is then sealed in a manner known in the art using, for example, a plug of a suitable sealing material positioned in the opening to trap the compressed gas within housing 12 after filling.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a first end closure 16 includes a base portion 16 a, a first portion 16 b projecting from base portion 16 a, and a second portion 16 c projecting from first portion 16 b. Base portion 16 a and first portion 16 b combine to define a generally annular first shoulder 16 e which may abut housing first end 12 a when the first end closure 16 is secured to the housing, thereby forming a seam between housing first end 12 a and first end closure 16. First end closure 16 is welded or otherwise suitably secured to housing first end 12 a along the seam or along a suitable interface formed between first end closure 16 and housing first end 12 a. Housing first end 12 a may also slidingly engage an outer surface first of portion 16 b to aid in centering and/or positioning the end closure 16 with respect to the housing.

First portion 16 b and second portion 16 c combine to define a generally annular second shoulder 16 f which may abut a gas generant container 30 (described below) when the container 30 is secured to the first end closure as described below. Container 30 may also slidingly engage an outer surface of second portion 16 c when the container is applied to first end closure 16. First end closure 16 also includes a passage 16 d formed therein. Opening 16 d has a first end 16 d 1 and a second end 16 d 2 and is configured to enable fluid communication between an initiator 18 b (described below) extending into (or in fluid communication with) first end 16 d 1 and housing interior cavity 100 after activation of the gas generating system. First end closure 16 is made from a metal, metal alloy, or other suitable material and may be a cast, stamped, machined or otherwise suitably formed.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an initiator assembly 18 is welded or otherwise suitably secured to first end closure 16. In the embodiment shown, initiator assembly 18 includes a shell 18 a and an initiator 18 b crimped or otherwise secured to the shell such that initiator 18 b projects from the shell for insertion into first end closure passage 16 d.

A rear portion of shell 18 a may be configured to provide an interface mateable with a complementary connector (not shown) of a wiring harness or other suitable initiator activation signal transmission medium (not shown). The attachment between shell 18 a and first end closure 16 forms a substantially gas-tight seal at the contact interface between the shell and the end closure, to prevent escape of generated gases along the interface. Shell 18 a may be formed from a metal or metal alloy using a suitable manufacturing process, such as casting or machining. Alternatively, shell 18 a may be formed from a moldable material, for example, a castable metal alloy, or a suitable polymer. Initiator 18 b may be formed as known in the art. One exemplary igniter construction is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,809, which is incorporated herein by reference. An o-ring seal or other suitable seal (not shown) may be positioned along an interface between the initiator 18 b and the shell 18 a to form a substantially gas-tight seal between the initiator and the shell.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a gas generant container 30 is provided for containing and positioning a gas generant material within housing 12. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, container 30 is an elongated, generally tubular and includes a base portion 30 a, at least one wall 30 b extending from the base portion to define a chamber 30 c into which the gas generant material is positioned, and an opening (in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an open end 30 d opposite base 30 a) which provides access to chamber 30 c. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, container 30 extends into (and along a portion of the extent of) cavity 100. Thus, a gas generant material 28 positioned in container 30 is exposed to the gas stored in cavity 100 prior to activation of the gas generating system. Container 30 positions and maintains the gas generant material in a predetermined region within the housing before and during combustion of the gas generant. The container also acts as a filter for filtering particulates from gas generant combustion products, and as containment for the separator 32 (described below) and for fragments (if any) resulting from activation of initiator 18 b and/or from rupture of seal 102 (described below), thereby preventing such materials from entering and/or obstructing the gas flow through and out of the gas generating system.

The container may be formed from any of a variety of porous base materials (for example, a metallic mesh, perforated/expanded metal sheet, or a compressed knitted metal wire) known in the art and suitable for filtering gas generant combustion products and for the other container functions described herein. Suitable metallic mesh is readily obtainable from suppliers such as Wayne Wire, Inc., of Kalkaska, Mich. Suitable compressed knitted metal wire is commercially available from vendors such as Metex Corp. of Edison, N.J. The container base material may also be specified so as to have a degree of stretchability and/or resilience, to aid in cushioning against shock and/or vibration any gas generant impacting the walls and/or base portion of the container. An element described herein as being formed from a “porous” base material is understood to be formed from a base material that is permeable by a fluid, such as pressurized gas. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, wall 30 b is formed integrally with the base portion 30 a (i.e., wall 30 b is formed as a single piece with base portion 30 a).

The container 30 may be formed in any desired length or shape according to the requirements of a particular application. For example, the configuration of the container may be configured to conform to the interior volume of the portion of the gas generating system in which the container resides. Similarly, the container may be sized to accommodate a desired quantity and/or configuration of gas generant material.

In one embodiment, the container is fabricated by forming the base material into a cylinder and closing one end of the cylinder to form the base portion 30 a. Material of the cylinder may overlap longitudinally as shown in FIG. 2 to form a longitudinal seam 30 f. The base portion end 30 a may be closed by, for example, folding over and/or overlapping portions of the material. The closed end and seam 30 f may then be sealed using welding or any other suitable sealing method(s). Any method(s) used to seal the base portion end 30 a and the seam 30 f should ensure that the base material of the container will rupture or otherwise fail prior to failure of the seals. In other embodiments, the container may be in the form of a sock or closed sleeve shape knitted from a suitable material. Other methods may also be used to form the container.

Referring again to FIG. 1, gas generant material 28 is positioned within container chamber 30 c. In one embodiment, the gas generant blocks comprise a high gas-yield, low solids-producing gas generant composition, such as a “smokeless” gas generant composition. Such gas generant compositions are exemplified by, but not limited to, compositions and processes described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,210,505, and 5,872,329, each incorporated by reference herein. As used herein, the term “smokeless” should be generally understood to mean such propellants as are capable of combustion yielding within a range of about 60% to about 80% gaseous products, based on a total product mass; and, as a corollary, no more than about 15% solid products and, preferably, about 10% solid products, based on a total product mass. U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,505 discloses various high nitrogen nonazide gas compositions comprising a nonmetal salt of triazole or tetrazole fuel, phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) as a primary oxidizer, a metallic second oxidizer, and an inert component such as clay or mica. U.S. Pat. No. 5,872,329 discloses various high nitrogen nonazide gas compositions comprising an amine salt of triazole or tetrazole fuel, and phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) as an oxidizer. Other types of gas generant materials may also be used, according to the requirements of a particular application. The gas generant may be in any suitable form, for example, tablets, granules, wafers, an extruded body, or any other form depending on the requirements of a particular application.

Optionally, a gas generant container assembly may be formed by inserting a screen separator 32 into container chamber 30 c to aid in confining the gas generant material 28 within a predetermined portion of the chamber. Separator 32 is adjustably securable to a portion of the container to enable the position of the separator within the container to be adjusted to at a desired location within the container and then secured or fixed in the desired position. In one embodiment, separator 32 is in the form of a disc which is pressed into the chamber 30 c, slidingly engaging container wall 30 b in an interference fit until positioned as desired within the chamber. The interference fit then maintains the screen separator in the desired position prior to activation of the gas generating system. The separator may be inserted into the chamber to a position where it abuts the gas generant material when the desired amount and/or configuration of gas generant material is inserted into the container, to aid in immobilizing the gas generant. This aids in preventing breakage of the gas generant due to impact and vibration. The material and/or configuration of the separator may also be specified such that the body of the separator (or at least the portion of the body inside the edges of the separator) is relatively resilient, thereby enabling the disc to provide a degree of cushioning against shock and/or vibration to any gas generant material impacting the separator. As the separator may be positioned and secured at any desired position within the chamber, the amount of gas generant positioned within the chamber may be varied according to the requirements of a particular application. When positioned inside chamber 30 c, the separator 32 is positioned along a longitudinal axis L of the container and separates the chamber 30 c into a pair of longitudinally adjacent compartments or sub-chambers 30 c 1 and 30 c 2, one of which (30 c 1) is relatively closer to end closure passage second end 16 d 2, and one of which (30 c 2) is relatively farther away from end closure passage second end 16 d 2 than is sub-chamber 30 c 1. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, gas generant 28 resides in sub-chamber 30 c 2.

Screen separator 32 may be formed from any of a variety of materials (for example, a carbon fiber or metallic mesh, perforated/expanded metal sheet, or a compressed knitted metal wire) known in the art. Suitable metallic mesh is readily obtainable from suppliers such as Wayne Wire, Inc., of Kalkaska, Mich. Suitable compressed knitted metal wire is commercially available from vendors such as Metex Corp. of Edison, N.J.

Although the separator material shown in FIG. 1 is in the form of a disc, a separator 32 suitable for cushioning and/or screening the gas generant and suitable for positioning within chamber 30 c may have any of a wide variety of alternative forms. In another alternative embodiment, the disc or other screening structure is positioned within chamber 30 c and attached to wall 30 b by crimping or other suitable means. Other methods of securing the separator 32 to the container at a desired position within the container interior are also contemplated.

Using the various elements described herein, a sub-assembly for a gas generating system may be formed including a gas generant container assembly having a porous container defining a chamber therein, a porous separator positionable and securable within the chamber so as to divide the chamber into at least a pair of sub-chambers, and a gas generant material positioned in a sub-chamber of the pair of sub-chambers.

In addition, using the various elements described herein, another sub-assembly for a gas generating system may be formed including an end closure configured for coupling to a portion of a gas generating system, and a sub-assembly as described in the previous paragraph.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a quantity of a known or suitable ignition or booster compound (not shown), may be positioned within housing 12 so as to enable fluid communication between the booster material and any associated gas generant material 28 upon activation of the gas generating system. In one embodiment, the booster material may be positioned in either (or both of) sub-chambers 30 c 1 and 30 c 2. If desired for a particular application, a quantity of the booster material may be also (or alternatively) positioned within passage 16 d of end closure 16. Combustion of the booster material results in combustion of the gas generant, in a manner known in the art.

A quantity of a known heat-activated auto-ignition material (not shown) may be positioned within the gas generating system so as to enable fluid communication between the auto-ignition material and any associated gas generant material and/or any associated booster material upon activation of the gas generating system. The auto ignition material (not shown) may be placed in housing 12 in proximity to the booster material (if any) and positioned in housing 12 so as to enable thermal communication with the housing, thereby enabling heat transfer from an exterior of the housing to the auto ignition material using the housing as a heat transfer medium. Alternatively, the auto ignition material may be positioned in housing 12 so as to enable heat transfer from the exterior of the housing to the auto ignition material using a heat-transfer medium other than the housing.

The auto-ignition material is a pyrotechnic material which is ignited by exposure to a temperature lower than the ignition temperature of the associated gas generant. As is known in the art, the auto-ignition material is ignited by heat transmitted from an exterior of the system housing to the interior of the housing due to an elevated external temperature condition (produced, for example, by a fire). Combustion of the auto-ignition material results in combustion of the associated gas generant, either directly or through intervening combustion of a booster material. Suitable auto ignition materials are known to those skilled in the art. Examples of suitable auto-ignition materials are nitro-cellulose based compositions and gun powder.

Container 30 may be secured to first end closure 16 using any suitable method. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the container is secured to the first end closure using a crimp ring 36 which is applied over the end portion of the container residing along end closure first portion 16 b. The end portion of the container slides over the end closure first portion 16 b, and the crimp ring is applied over the container end portion to secure the container end portion on the end closure first portion 16 b. Other mechanisms for securing the container end portion along the end closure are also contemplated. For example, the container end portion may be welded or crimped to a portion of the first end closure. Any method(s) used to secure container 30 to first end closure 16 should ensure that the base material of the container will rupture or otherwise fail prior to failure of the attachment of the container to the end closure.

Optionally, a rupturable, fluid-tight seal 102 may be positioned to cover first end closure passage 16 d at second end 16 d 2. Seal 102 retains the stored gas within cavity 100 prior to activation of the gas generating system and rupture of the seal. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the seal 102 extends between and is secured to a shoulder (or shoulders) 16 s formed along first end closure 16; however, the seal 102 may be mounted to any suitable surface or surfaces. Various known disks, foils, films, tapes, or other suitable materials may be used to form the seal.

A second end closure 190 is positioned and secured at housing second end 12 b. End closure 190 has a first gas receiving passage 190 a formed therein. An opening 190 c formed in end closure 190 enables fluid communication between housing cavity 100 and first gas receiving passage 190 a. One or more gas exit orifices 190 b enable fluid communication between passage 190 a and an exterior of the end closure. Gases exiting the end closure through orifices 190 b may enter an associated gas-actuatable device (not shown) operatively coupled to the gas generating system 10.

In the embodiments shown in FIG. 1, end closure 190 is formed separately from housing 12 and may be attached to housing second end 12 b by welding, adhesive attachment, threaded engagement, or any other suitable means, depending on the materials from which the housing and end closure are formed, the operational requirements of a particular application, and other pertinent factors.

The end closure 190 is attached to housing 12 so as to form a substantially gas-tight seal between the end closure and the housing. End closure 190 may be forged, machined, molded or otherwise formed from a metallic material, a polymer material, or any other suitable material depending on the requirements of a particular application. Orifice(s) 190 b may be drilled, punched, molded into the part, or otherwise suitably formed.

A rupturable, fluid-tight seal 103 may be positioned over opening 190 c to provide a substantially gas-tight seal between cavity 100 and first gas receiving passage 190 a. Seal 103 retains the stored gas within cavity 100 prior to activation of the gas source and rupture of the seal. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the seal 103 extends between and is secured to a shoulder (or shoulders) 190 s formed along end closure 190; however, the seal 103 may be mounted to any suitable surface or surfaces. Various known disks, foils, films, tapes, or other suitable materials may be used to form the seal.

During assembly of the gas generating system, the gas generant material 28 is positioned within the container. The screen disc or other gas generant securement mechanism 32 (if employed) may then be positioned to secure the gas generant 28 within a predetermine portion of the container chamber 30 c. The initiator assembly 18 and first seal 102 may be secured to first end closure 16. Then the container 30 is then secured to the first end closure 16. The housing 12 is then secured to the first end closure 16. Seal 103 may be applied to the second end closure 190 and the second end closure secured to housing second end 12 b.

Operation of the embodiment of the gas generating system shown in FIGS. 1-3 will now be discussed.

Upon receipt of a signal from a crash sensor, an electrical activation signal is sent to initiator 18 b. Combustion products resulting from activation of the initiator rupture seal 102 and flow into container chamber 30 c to initiate combustion of any booster material and/or gas generant material 28. Ignition of gas generant 28 results in relatively rapid generation of combustion products and a pressure wave which propagates through the stored gases in the interior of housing 12. Combustion of the gas generant also produces additional gases, which increase the pressure within housing 12. These factors result in rupture of the seal 103 covering second end closure opening 190 c. The products of combustion of the gas generant 28 and the gas stored in chamber 100 flow out of the housing through second end closure 190 and out of the second end closure into an associated gas-actuatable device (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 4, any of the gas generating system embodiments described herein may be incorporated into an airbag system 200. Airbag system 200 includes at least one airbag 202 and a gas generating system 10 as described herein coupled to airbag 202 so as to enable fluid communication with an interior of the airbag. Airbag system 200 may also be in communication with a crash event sensor 210 operating in association with a known crash sensor algorithm that signals actuation of airbag system 200 via, for example, activation of airbag gas generating system 10 in the event of a collision.

Referring again to FIG. 4, airbag system 200 may also be incorporated into a broader, more comprehensive vehicle occupant restraint system 180 including additional elements such as a safety belt assembly 150. FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of one exemplary embodiment of such a restraint system. Safety belt assembly 150 includes a safety belt housing 152 and a safety belt 160 extending from housing 152. A safety belt retractor mechanism 154 (for example, a spring-loaded mechanism) may be coupled to an end portion of the belt. In addition, a safety belt pretensioner 156 may be coupled to belt retractor mechanism 154 to actuate the retractor mechanism in the event of a collision. Typical seat belt retractor mechanisms which may be used in conjunction with the safety belt embodiments of the present invention are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,743,480, 5,553,803, 5,667,161, 5,451,008, 4,558,832 and 4,597,546, incorporated herein by reference. Illustrative examples of suitable pretensioners are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,505,790 and 6,419,177, incorporated herein by reference.

Safety belt system 150 may also be in communication with a crash event sensor 158 (for example, an inertia sensor or an accelerometer) operating in association with a known crash sensor algorithm that signals actuation of belt pretensioner 156 via, for example, activation of a pyrotechnic igniter (not shown) incorporated into the pretensioner. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,505,790 and 6,419,177, previously incorporated herein by reference, provide illustrative examples of pretensioners actuated in such a manner.

It will be understood that the foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and that the various structural and operational features herein disclosed are susceptible to a number of modifications, none of which departs from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The preceding description, therefore, is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined only by the appended claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A gas generant container assembly comprising: a first container comprising compressed gas; a second porous container defining a chamber therein, said porous container containing a porous wall and contained within said first container; a porous separator positionable and securable within the chamber so as to divide the chamber into at least a pair of porous sub-chambers, each porous sub-chamber defined by at least a portion of said porous wall; and a gas generant material positioned within a first porous sub-chamber of the pair of porous sub-chambers, said gas generant material physically contacting said portion of said porous wall of said first porous sub-chamber, wherein said porous separator is configured to cushion said gas generant material positioned within said first porous sub-chamber of the pair of porous sub-chambers.
 2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the container is configured to cushion said gas generant material positioned within a porous sub-chamber of the pair of sub-chambers.
 3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the separator is securable within the chamber so as to confine said gas generant material positioned within said first porous sub-chamber of the pair of sub-chambers.
 4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the separator is adjustably securable to a portion of the container to fix the position of the separator within the container.
 5. The assembly of claim 4 further comprising an inner wall of the container wherein the separator is secured in position within the container by forming an interference fit between the separator and said inner wall of the container.
 6. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the container is configured so as to be attachable to an end closure of a gas generating system.
 7. A sub-assembly for a gas generating system comprising: a gas generant container assembly in accordance with claim
 1. 8. A gas generating system comprising a sub-assembly in accordance with claim 7 coupled to another portion of the gas generating system.
 9. The gas generating system of claim 8 wherein the sub-assembly is attached to an end closure of the gas generating system.
 10. The gas generating system of claim 9 further comprising a crimp ring wherein the sub-assembly is attached to the end closure of the gas generating system using the crimp ring.
 11. The gas generating system of claim 9 wherein the end closure includes a passage formed therein, and a seal configured to prevent fluid communication between the passage and the container chamber prior to activation of the gas generating system.
 12. A sub-assembly for a gas generating system comprising: an end closure configured for coupling to a portion of a gas generating system; and a sub-assembly in accordance with claim 7 coupled to the end closure.
 13. A gas generating system comprising a sub-assembly in accordance with claim
 12. 14. A gas generating system comprising a sub-assembly in accordance with claim
 7. 15. A gas generating system comprising a gas generant container assembly in accordance with claim
 1. 16. The gas generant container assembly of claim 1 wherein the separator is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the container and separates the chamber into a pair of longitudinally adjacent sub-chambers.
 17. A gas generant container assembly comprising: a first container comprising compressed gas; a second porous container defining a chamber therein, said second porous container contained within said first container; a porous separator positionable and securable within the chamber so as to divide the chamber into at least a pair of sub-chambers; and a gas generant material positioned within one sub-chamber of the pair of sub-chambers, wherein said gas generant material is in fluid communication with said compressed gas.
 18. A gas generant container assembly comprising: a first container comprising compressed gas; a second porous container defining a chamber therein, said second porous container contained within said first container; and a gas generant material positioned within said second porous container, a porous separator positioned within the chamber so as to divide the chamber into at least a pair of sub-chambers, wherein said gas generant material is positioned within one sub-chamber of the pair of sub-chambers and said gas generant material is in fluid communication with said compressed gas.
 19. A sub-assembly for a gas generating system comprising: a porous container defining a chamber therein, said porous container containing a porous wall; a porous separator positionable and securable within the chamber so as to divide the chamber into at least a pair of porous sub-chambers, each porous sub-chamber defined by at least a portion of said porous wall; a gas generant material positioned within a first porous sub-chamber of the pair of porous sub-chambers, said gas generant material physically contacting said portion of said porous wall of said first porous sub-chamber, wherein said porous separator is configured to cushion said gas generant material positioned within said first porous sub-chamber of the pair of porous sub-chambers, and said sub-assembly is coupled to an end closure of said gas generating system using a crimp ring.
 20. A sub-assembly for a gas generating system comprising: a porous container defining a chamber therein, said porous container containing a porous wall; a porous separator positionable and securable within the chamber so as to divide the chamber into at least a pair of porous sub-chambers, each porous sub-chamber defined by at least a portion of said porous wall; a gas generant material positioned within a first porous sub-chamber of the pair of porous sub-chambers, said gas generant material physically contacting said portion of said porous wall of said first porous sub-chamber, wherein said porous separator is configured to cushion said gas generant material positioned within said first porous sub-chamber of the pair of porous sub-chambers, and said sub-assembly is coupled to an end closure of said gas generating system, wherein the end closure includes a passage formed therein, and a seal configured to prevent fluid communication between the passage and the container chamber prior to activation of the gas generating system. 